U.S. House passes ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal measure

We commend the U.S. House passage today of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal legislation by a vote of 250-175. It is now up to the Senate to ensure that the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” happens before the end of the year. We urge the Senate to stay in session until repeal is passed. Tell your senators not to go home until they finish the job!

Please call your senators today and urge them to vote for the stand alone “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” bill.

Call the Capitol switchboard: 202.224.3121

In particular, if one of the following senators represents your state, your call is especially needed. Please call now!

–Susan Collins (R-ME): 202-224-2523
–Olympia Snowe (R-ME): 202-224-5344
–Richard Lugar (R-IN): 202-224-4814
–Judd Gregg (R-NH): 202-224-3324
–Scott Brown (R-MA): 202-224-4543
–George Voinovich (R-OH): 202-224-3353
–Kit Bond (R-MO): 202-224-5721
–Lisa Murkowski (R-AK): 202-224-6665
–Mark Kirk (R-IL): 202-224-2854
–Joe Manchin (D-WV): 202-224-3954

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force:

We thank the House for once again stepping up and showing leadership on this critical issue of fairness. House members who supported ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal today understand that the lives and careers of qualified and patriotic service members hang in the balance. They know, as do three-quarters of Americans, that this discriminatory policy is unnecessary, costly and unfair. This vote moves us closer to ending a shameful chapter in our nation’s history, and toward creating a path that could end in men and women being able to serve openly, honestly, and to great benefit of our country. We urge the Senate to do its part and pass repeal legislation. It’s long past time to stop playing politics with the thousands of patriotic men and women willing to risk their lives by serving in the military.